Joshua 2:7

7 And they, that were sent, followed them by the way that leadeth to the fords of (the) Jordan; and when they were gone out, anon the gate was closed. (And they, who were sent there, followed after them by the way that leadeth to the crossings of the Jordan River; and when they were gone out, at once the city gate was closed.)

Joshua 2:7 Meaning and Commentary

Joshua 2:7

And the men pursued after them
As they thought:

the way to Jordan;
on the other side of which the people of Israel lay encamped, to which they supposed, according to Rahab's account, these two men directed their course:

unto the fords;
the fords of Jordan, the passages through it; for in some places, and at some times, it was fordable; which accounts for the way in which these spies could get over Jordan, see ( Genesis 32:10 ) ; it was most reasonable to conclude they would return the same way; and so far the king's messengers went, but further they did not choose to go, because it would be to no purpose, and they might expose themselves to the camp of Israel, which lay on the other side:

and as soon as they which pursued after them were gone out, they shut
the gate;
that is, either as soon as the king's messengers were gone out of Rahab's house, either the spies, or rather the men of the house, Rahab's servants, shut the door of it to prevent their return, or others coming in; or rather, when they were got out of the city, the watchmen of the city, the porters of the city gates, shut them, that if they were not got out of the city, to prevent their escape, or however to keep out others from entering, that might be on some such design, or worse.

Joshua 2:7 In-Context

5 and when the gate was closed in darknesses, and they went out together, I know not whither they went (and tonight before the city gate was closed, they went out together, but I do not know where they went); pursue ye them soon, and ye shall overtake them.

6 Forsooth she (had) made the men to go up into the solar of her house, and she (had) covered them with stubble, or sheaves, of flax, that was there.

7 And they, that were sent, followed them by the way that leadeth to the fords of (the) Jordan; and when they were gone out, anon the gate was closed. (And they, who were sent there, followed after them by the way that leadeth to the crossings of the Jordan River; and when they were gone out, at once the city gate was closed.)

8 [And] They that were hid, slept not yet, and lo! the woman went up to them,

9 and said, I know that the Lord hath betaken to you this land; for your fearedfulness is fallen into us, and all the dwellers of the land be abashed. (and she said, I know that the Lord hath delivered this land to you; for we all be afraid of you, and all the inhabitants of the land be greatly panicked.)